Antiviral Composition for Animals

Abstract

Antiviral compositions and methods for protecting against a wide spectrum of viral and bacterial infections and for treating established infection and infectious inflammation are described. The composition includes a novel combination of vitamins, minerals, nutraceuticals, and phytochemicals, which may be compounded as a pill, tablet, powder, capsule, liquid, or other form to be taken orally or via other administration routes one or more times per day, to serve as immune boosters, antibacterial agents, and antiviral agents along with providing anti-inflammatory effects in humans and animals.

Claims

1. A composition for preventing and for treating and reducing infections caused by bacteria, avian influenzas and other viruses, and other pathogens in humans and animals, the composition comprising effective amounts of the following: vitamin C; a source of zinc; Echinacea purpura extract; sage (Salvia officinalis) extract; fulvic acid, humic acid, or a combination of both; pomegranate extract; Uncaria tomentosa extract; and Radix bupleuri extract.

2. The composition of claim 1, further comprising at least one additional vitamin comprising: vitamin A, vitamin E, or one or more B vitamins.

3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the source of zinc comprises zinc pyrithione.

4. The composition of claim 1, further comprising alpha-lipoic acid.

5. The composition of claim 1, further comprising one or more anti-inflammatory phytochemicals, wherein the one or more anti-inflammatory phytochemicals comprise: Boswellia serrata extract or another source of 3-acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA); Pinus maritima bark extract; Commiphora myrrha extract; curcumin extract or another source of piperine; green tea extract; resveratrol; or a combination of two or more of the foregoing.

6. The composition of claim 1, further comprising taurine.

7. The composition of claim 1, further comprising Black Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) extract, American Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) extract, or a combination of both.

8. The composition of claim 1, wherein the source of zinc comprises: elemental zinc; zinc methionine; zinc pyrithione; zinc citrate; zinc gluconate; zinc picolinate; zinc sulfate; zinc acetate; zinc orotate; or a combination of two or more of the foregoing.

9. The composition of claim 1, further comprising: at least one additional vitamin comprising: vitamin A, vitamin E, or one or more B vitamins; alpha-lipoic acid; one or more anti-inflammatory phytochemicals, wherein the one or more anti-inflammatory phytochemicals comprise: Boswellia serrata extract or another source of 3-acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA); Pinus maritima bark extract; Commiphora myrrha extract; curcumin extract or another source of piperine; green tea extract; resveratrol; or a combination of two or more of the foregoing; and taurine.

10. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition is incorporated in a tablet, a powder, a pill, a capsule, a nasal spray, an inhalable form, a suspension, a topically applied form, or a liquid for administration to a human or other animal via oral, parenteral, inhalation, topical application, or other administration routes.

11. A composition for preventing and for treating and reducing infections and tissue inflammation caused by bacteria, avian influenzas and other viruses, and other pathogens in humans and animals, the composition comprising effective amounts of the following: vitamin C; a source of zinc; Echinacea purpura extract; sage (Salvia officinalis) extract; fulvic acid, humic acid, or a combination of both; pomegranate extract; Uncaria tomentosa extract; Radix bupleuri extract; and at least one anti-inflammatory constituent.

12. The composition of claim 11, wherein the at least one anti-inflammatory constituent comprises: at least one additional vitamin comprising: vitamin A, vitamin E, or one or more B vitamins; alpha-lipoic acid; one or more anti-inflammatory phytochemicals, wherein the one or more anti-inflammatory phytochemicals comprise: Boswellia serrata extract or another source of 3-acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA); Pinus maritima bark extract; Commiphora myrrha extract; curcumin extract or another source of piperine; green tea extract; resveratrol; or a combination of two or more of the foregoing; and taurine.

13. The composition of claim 12, further comprising Black Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) extract, American Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) extract, or a combination of both.

14. The composition of claim 12, wherein the source of zinc comprises: elemental zinc; zinc methionine; zinc pyrithione; zinc citrate; zinc gluconate; zinc picolinate; zinc sulfate; zinc acetate; zinc orotate; or a combination of two or more of the foregoing.

15. A method for preventing and for treating and reducing infections caused by bacteria, avian influenzas and other viruses, and other pathogens in humans and animals, the method comprising the steps of: (a) preparing a composition comprising effective amounts of the following: vitamin C; a source of zinc; Echinacea purpura extract; sage (Salvia officinalis) extract; fulvic acid, humic acid, or a combination of both; pomegranate extract; Uncaria tomentosa extract; and Radix bupleuri extract; (b) providing the composition in a tablet, a powder, a pill, a capsule, a nasal spray, an inhalable form, a suspension, a topically applied form, or a liquid form to be administered to a human or other animal via oral, parenteral, inhalation, topical application, or other administration routes; and (c) administering the composition to the human or other animal periodically.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the composition further comprises at least one additional vitamin comprising: vitamin A, vitamin E, or one or more B vitamins.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the composition further comprises one or more anti-inflammatory phytochemicals to prevent and to treat and reduce tissue inflammation caused by bacteria, avian influenzas and other viruses, and other pathogens in humans and animals, wherein the one or more anti-inflammatory phytochemicals comprise: Boswellia serrata extract or another source of 3-acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA); Pinus maritima bark extract; Commiphora myrrha extract; curcumin extract or another source of piperine; green tea extract; resveratrol; or a combination of two or more of the foregoing.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the composition further comprises alpha-lipoic acid, taurine, or both.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the source of zinc comprises: elemental zinc; zinc methionine; zinc pyrithione; zinc citrate; zinc gluconate; zinc picolinate; zinc sulfate; zinc acetate; zinc orotate; or a combination of two or more of the foregoing.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein the composition further comprises Black Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) extract, American Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) extract, or a combination of both.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] The present invention is best understood by reference to the description set forth herein. Embodiments of the invention are discussed below; however, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, in light of the teachings of the present invention, those skilled in the art will recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, numerous modifications and variations of the invention may exist that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive.

[0067] The present invention should not be limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. The terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms a, an, and the include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to an element is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to a step or a means may be a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means.

[0068] All conjunctions used herein are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, a group of items linked with the conjunction and should not be read as requiring that each and every one of those items be present in the grouping, but rather should be read as and/or unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction or should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should be read as and/or unless expressly stated otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0069] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) are to be given their ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art, and are not to be limited to a special or customized meaning unless expressly so defined herein.

[0070] Terms and phrases used in this application, and variations thereof, especially in the appended claims, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing, the term including should be read to mean including, without limitation, including but not limited to, or the like; the term having should be interpreted as having at least; the term includes should be interpreted as includes but is not limited to; the term example is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; and use of terms like preferably, preferred, desired, desirable, or exemplary and words of similar meaning should not be understood as implying that certain features are critical, essential, or even important to the structure or function of the invention, but instead as merely intended to highlight alternative or additional features that may or may not be utilized in a particular embodiment of the invention.

[0071] Those skilled in the art will also understand that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases at least one and one or more to introduce claim recitations; however, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles a or an limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases one or more or at least one and indefinite articles such as a or an (e.g., a and an should typically be interpreted to mean at least one or one or more); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of two recitations, without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to at least one of A, B, and C is used, in general, such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., a system having at least one of A, B, and C would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.).

[0072] All numbers expressing dimensions, quantities of ingredients, reaction conditions, and so forth used in the specification are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term about unless expressly stated otherwise. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth herein are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained.

[0073] The invention provides compositions containing phytochemical extracts and nutraceuticals to fortify the immune systems of humans and animals in a way that prevents a wide spectrum of known or new strains of viruses and bacteria from starting a new infection in the host and that also permits nascent viral or bacterial infection, once established, to be treated and defeated before the infection can cause serious and/or widespread systemic symptoms and effects, or to minimize such symptoms to a life non-threatening level. The invention provides compositions containing phytochemical extracts and nutraceuticals that prevent or limit inflammation, especially in the lungs, in which virally or bacterially induced inflammation causes arteriolar and capillary leakage and resultant pulmonary edema, excess mucus secretion, possible severe bronchoconstriction and, in the worst case, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with airway collapse, any of which phenomena can compromise pulmonary function to the point of fatal respiratory failure. The invention provides compositions containing anti-infective (i.e., antiviral and antibacterial) phytochemical extracts and nutraceuticals, already established to be safe for consumption that can be taken electively before anticipated viral exposure, prophylactically on a daily basis if desired, or therapeutically at the start of early viral symptoms. The invention provides compositions containing anti-inflammatory phytochemical extracts and nutraceuticals, already established to be safe for consumption that can be taken electively before anticipated viral exposure, prophylactically on a daily basis if desired, or therapeutically at the start of early viral symptoms. The invention provides compositions and methods that prevent or limit development of virally induced secondary bacterial infection/inflammation, or vice versa, especially in the lungs. The invention provides novel and unique combinations of vitamins, minerals and herbal/organic supplements (i.e., phytochemicals and nutraceuticals) in one formulary forming one or more compositions and methods for the purpose of fortifying the innate (cellular) and adaptive (hormonal) components of the immune system of a human or an animal against bacterial and viral infection, and their propagation, transmission and effects. The invention provides steroid sparing or non-steroidal compositions and methods for treating inflammation in humans and animals.

[0074] As used herein, the word nutraceutical refers to a food item, or a part of a food item, that offers medical health benefits, including prevention and/or treatment of disease. More particularly, a nutraceutical is a material that is: (a) a dietary supplement containing a nutritive bioactive compound; or (b) a biologically active material (processed or unprocessed) derived from a vitamin, mineral, plant, fungus, or animal, or a portion thereof, where the precise composition of the biologically active processed or unprocessed material may be undetermined.

[0075] As used herein, the word phytochemical refers to non-nutritive organic components of plants that are thought to promote human health. Unlike the traditional nutrients (e.g., protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals), phytochemicals are not essential for life, but have a wide range of therapeutic applications. Phytochemicals, within the parent plant, help it resist microbial attack by fungi, bacteria, and viruses.

[0076] Examples of a biologically active processed material may include a finely chopped, powdered, pureed, or cooked material derived from plant, animal, or fungus tissue, or an extract of plant, animal, or fungus tissue, or combinations of the foregoing. These agents are useful for accelerating improved immune function, and they include extracts from various plants and mixtures thereof.

[0077] Where specific reference is made herein to a particular species of plant, one or more other species of the same genus may be substituted for the identified species when the related species is known or determined to be safe.

[0078] The compositions described herein include two or more natural, herbal or other organic anti-inflammatory substances for the suppression of tissue inflammation, especially in the lungs. The formulary thereby provides multimodal nutraceutical and phytochemical protection against acquisition of infection and against deleterious effects of inflammation in the lungs. The formulary is available in forms that permit administration to a human or other animal via oral, parenteral, inhalation, topical application, or other administration routes.

[0079] In one embodiment that has both anti-infectious (i.e., antiviral and/or antibacterial) properties and anti-inflammatory properties, the composition includes vitamin C, vitamin E, a source of zinc, a source of taurine, one or more anti-infectious phytochemicals, one or more anti-inflammatory nutraceutical compounds, and one or more anti-inflammatory phytochemicals.

[0080] In another embodiment that has both anti-infectious (i.e., antiviral and/or antibacterial) properties and anti-inflammatory properties, the composition includes: vitamin C, a second vitamin, a source of zinc, a source of taurine, one or more anti-infectious phytochemicals, one or more anti-inflammatory nutraceutical compounds, and one or more anti-inflammatory phytochemicals.

[0081] In another embodiment that has anti-infectious (i.e., antiviral and/or antibacterial) properties, the composition includes: vitamin C, vitamin E, a source of zinc, and one or more anti-infectious phytochemicals.

[0082] In another embodiment that has anti-inflammatory properties, the composition includes: a source of taurine, one or more anti-inflammatory nutraceutical compounds, and one or more anti-inflammatory phytochemicals.

[0083] In the embodiments described above and others described herein, the one or more anti-infectious phytochemicals included in the composition are selected from among: fulvic acid; Radix bupleuri extract; Echinacea purpura extract; sage extract; pomegranate extract; cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) extract; Black Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) extract; or American Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) extract.

[0084] In the embodiments described above and others described herein, the one or more anti-inflammatory nutraceutical compounds included in the composition are selected from among: an omega-3 fatty acid; eicosapentanoic acid (EPA); docosahexanoic acid (DHA); or alpha-lipoic acid.

[0085] In the embodiments described above and others described herein, the one or more anti-inflammatory phytochemicals included in the composition are selected from among: Indian frankincense (Boswellia serrata) extract or another source of 3-acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA); Maritime Pine (Pinus maritima) bark extract; cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) extract; myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) extract; resveratrol; curcumin extract or another source of piperine; green tea extract; or cannabidiol (CBD).

[0086] In the embodiments described above and others described herein that contain CBD, other cannabinoids may be substituted for CBD or used in combination with it.

[0087] The composition can include the following ranges of ingredients in about the following amounts: [0088] (a) 5 mg to 50 mg of a source of zinc [0089] (b) 10 mg to 2,000 mg of vitamin C [0090] (c) 5 mg to 1,000 mg of vitamin E [0091] (d) five or more of the following wide-spectrum anti-infectious phytochemicals: [0092] 5 micrograms to 2,000 mg of extracted fulvic acid [0093] 5 micrograms to 1,000 mg of Radix bupleuri extract [0094] 5 micrograms to 1,000 mg of Uncaria tomentosa extract [0095] 5 micrograms to 1,750 mg of pomegranate extract [0096] 5 micrograms to 2,000 mg of Black Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) extract, American Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) extract, or a combination of the two [0097] 5 micrograms to 3,200 mg of sage (Salvia officinalis) extract [0098] 10 micrograms to 1,500 mg of Echinacea purpura extract [0099] (e) two or more of the following anti-inflammatory nutraceuticals: [0100] 5 micrograms to 1,000 mg of the omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA) [0101] 5 micrograms to 1,200 mg of alpha-lipoic acid [0102] (f) 5 mg to 10,000 mg or more of a source of taurine [0103] (g) five or more of the following anti-inflammatory phytochemicals: [0104] 5 micrograms to 1,800 mg Boswellia serrata extract, containing its most anti-inflammatory moiety, 3-acetyl-11-keto--boswellic acid (AKBA) [0105] 5 micrograms to 750 mg of Maritime Pine (Pinus maritima) bark extract [0106] 5 micrograms to 400 mg of Uncaria tomentosa extract [0107] 5 micrograms to 800 mg of Commiphora myrrha extract [0108] 5 micrograms to 500 mg of resveratrol [0109] 5 micrograms to 1,200 mg of curcumin extract with piperine [0110] 5 micrograms to 900 mg of green tea extract [0111] 5 micrograms to 680 mg of cannabidiol (CBD)

[0112] The following examples of exemplary embodiments of the composition are provided. Among the embodiments described herein, each dosage for animals will contain an amount of each phytochemical proportional by animal body weight to that recommended as one dose for a 160-pound human. For instance, if one dose of a particular embodiment of the composition contains 800 mg of Echinacea purpura extract for a 160 lb. human (see below), the proportional dose would be 15 mg for a 3 lb. chicken, while for a 1,500 lb. dairy cow, the proportional amount of Echinacea purpura extract in a dose of one particular embodiment of the composition would be 7,500 mg.

Example 1

[0113] In an exemplary embodiment, the composition contains about the following amounts of each of the following in a single dose: [0114] (a) 25 mg of a source of zinc [0115] (b) 1,000 mg of vitamin C [0116] (c) 200 mg of vitamin E [0117] (d) two or more of the following wide-spectrum anti-infectious phytochemicals: [0118] 1,000 mg of extracted fulvic acid [0119] 400 mg of Radix bupleuri extract [0120] 400 mg of Uncaria tomentosa extract [0121] 400 mg of pomegranate extract [0122] 200 mg of Black Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) extract, American Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) extract, or a combination of the two [0123] 800 mg of sage (Salvia officinalis) extract [0124] 800 mg of Echinacea purpura extract [0125] (e) two or more of the following anti-inflammatory nutraceuticals: [0126] 1,000 mg of the omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA) [0127] 200 mg of alpha-lipoic acid [0128] (f) 250 mg or more of a source of taurine two or more of the following anti-inflammatory phytochemicals: [0129] 800 mg Boswellia serrata extract, containing its most anti-inflammatory moiety, 3-acetyl-11-keto--boswellic acid (AKBA) [0130] 150 mg of Maritime Pine (Pinus maritima) bark extract [0131] 400 mg of Uncaria tomentosa extract [0132] 400 mg of Commiphora myrrha extract [0133] 200 mg of resveratrol [0134] 400 mg of curcumin extract with piperine [0135] 300 mg of green tea extract [0136] 50 mg of cannabidiol (CBD)

Example 2

[0137] In another exemplary embodiment, the composition contains about the following amounts of each of the following in a single dose: [0138] (a) 25 mg of a source of zinc [0139] (b) 1,000 mg of vitamin C [0140] (c) 200 mg of vitamin E [0141] (d) two or more of the following wide-spectrum anti-infectious phytochemicals: [0142] 1,000 mg of extracted fulvic acid [0143] 400 mg of Radix bupleuri extract [0144] 400 mg of Uncaria tomentosa extract [0145] 400 mg of pomegranate extract [0146] 200 mg of Black Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) extract, American Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) extract, or a combination of the two [0147] 800 mg of sage (Salvia officinalis) extract [0148] 800 mg of Echinacea purpura extract [0149] (e) two or more of the following anti-inflammatory nutraceuticals: [0150] 1,000 mg of the omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA) [0151] 200 mg of alpha-lipoic acid [0152] (f) 250 mg or more of a source of taurine [0153] (g) two or more of the following anti-inflammatory phytochemicals: [0154] 800 mg Boswellia serrata extract, containing its most anti-inflammatory moiety, 3-acetyl-11-keto--boswellic acid (AKBA) [0155] 150 mg of Maritime Pine (Pinus maritima) bark extract [0156] 400 mg of Uncaria tomentosa extract [0157] 400 mg of Commiphora myrrha extract [0158] 200 mg of resveratrol [0159] 400 mg of curcumin extract with piperine [0160] 300 mg of green tea extract [0161] 50 mg of cannabidiol (CBD)

[0162] In the embodiments described above and others described herein, the source of zinc can be included in the composition as elemental zinc, zinc methionine, zinc pyrithione, zinc citrate, zinc gluconate, zinc picolinate, zinc sulfate, zinc acetate, zinc orotate, or a combination of two or more of the foregoing.

[0163] In the embodiments described above and others described herein, the second vitamin included in the composition can be selected from among one or more of vitamins E, A, D, K, niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, B.sub.6, B.sub.12, pantothenic acid, biotin, and folate, or a combination of two or more of the foregoing.

[0164] In the embodiments described above and others described herein, the source of taurine can be included in the composition as taurine, a taurine-containing compound, an extract of a functional food containing taurine or a taurine-containing compound, or a combination of two or more of the foregoing. A taurine-related compound may also be substituted for the source of taurine in some embodiments.

[0165] Any of the listed wide-spectrum anti-infectious nutraceuticals and phytochemicals permutated with any of the listed anti-inflammatory nutraceuticals and phytochemicals will confer five levels of anti-infectious protection, including white blood cell fortification and activation, virucidal-bactericidal activity, enhancement of antibody production, anti-oxidant activity, and anti-inflammatory activity. The oral formulary, capsule or other, may be enteric-coated to prevent breakdown by gastric acid and permit delivery of unaltered nutraceuticals and phytochemicals to the duodenum for absorption.

[0166] The compositions described above can be made in any of several various forms including, without limitation, as a tablet, a powder, a pill, a capsule, a nasal spray, an inhalable form, a suspension, a topically applied form, or a liquid form to be administered to a human or other animal via oral, parenteral, inhalation, topical application, or other administration routes. A topically applied form can be a cream, a lotion, a salve, an ointment, a gel, a paste, a topical solution, a tincture, a foam, or any other form capable of topical application to skin of a human or other animal. In some embodiments, the composition may be incorporated in a transdermal patch for application to the skin.

[0167] The compositions and methods described herein may also be effective at preventing and treating certain fungal, protozoal, and other microbial infections in humans and animals.

[0168] As referenced elsewhere herein, the invention also relates to a method for preventing and for treating and reducing infections and tissue inflammation caused by bacteria and viruses in humans and animals. The method includes the step of preparing a composition that includes effective amounts of the following: vitamin C, vitamin E, a source of zinc, a source of taurine, one or more anti-infectious phytochemicals, one or more anti-inflammatory nutraceutical compounds, and one or more anti-inflammatory phytochemicals. The source of zinc, source of taurine, one or more anti-infectious phytochemicals, one or more anti-inflammatory nutraceutical compounds, and one or more anti-inflammatory phytochemicals can be selected from among any of the compounds, extracts, and substances described herein for each of those categories. The method also includes the step of providing the composition in a tablet, a powder, a pill, a capsule, a nasal spray, an inhalable form, a suspension, a topically applied form, or a liquid form to be administered to a human or other animal via oral, parenteral, inhalation, topical application, or other administration routes. The method also includes the step of administering the composition to the human or other animal periodically. For example, the composition may be administered daily, twice daily, every four hours, every six hours, every other day, weekly, or at another appropriate interval. The exact interval may vary depending on factors related to the formula of the composition being administered, the purpose (treatment versus prophylaxis), the disease or condition being treated or prevented, the dosage, and the condition of the human or animal to whom or which the composition is being administered.

[0169] As referenced elsewhere herein, the invention also relates to a method for preventing and for treating and reducing infections caused by bacteria and viruses in humans and animals. The method includes the step of preparing a composition that includes effective amounts of the following: vitamin C, vitamin E, a source of zinc, and one or more anti-infectious phytochemicals. The source of zinc and one or more anti-infectious phytochemicals can be selected from among any of the compounds, extracts, and substances described herein for each of those categories. The method also includes the step of providing the composition in a tablet, a powder, a pill, a capsule, a nasal spray, an inhalable form, a suspension, a topically applied form, or a liquid form to be administered to a human or other animal via oral, parenteral, inhalation, topical application, or other administration routes. The method also includes the step of administering the composition to the human or other animal periodically. For example, the composition may be administered daily, twice daily, every four hours, every six hours, every other day, weekly, or at another appropriate interval. The exact interval may vary depending on factors related to the formula of the composition being administered, the purpose (treatment versus prophylaxis), the disease or condition being treated or prevented, the dosage, and the condition of the human or animal to whom or which the composition is being administered.

[0170] As referenced elsewhere herein, the invention also relates to a method for preventing and for treating and reducing infections and tissue inflammation caused by bacteria and viruses in humans and animals. The method includes the step of preparing a composition that includes effective amounts of the following: a source of taurine, one or more anti-inflammatory nutraceutical compounds, and one or more anti-inflammatory phytochemicals. The source of taurine, one or more anti-inflammatory nutraceutical compounds, and one or more anti-inflammatory phytochemicals can be selected from among any of the compounds, extracts, and substances described herein for each of those categories. The method also includes the step of providing the composition in a tablet, a powder, a pill, a capsule, a nasal spray, an inhalable form, a suspension, a topically applied form, or a liquid form to be administered to a human or other animal via oral, parenteral, inhalation, topical application, or other administration routes. The method also includes the step of administering the composition to the human or other animal periodically. For example, the composition may be administered daily, twice daily, every four hours, every six hours, every other day, weekly, or at another appropriate interval. The exact interval may vary depending on factors related to the formula of the composition being administered, the purpose (treatment versus prophylaxis), the disease or condition being treated or prevented, the dosage, and the condition of the human or animal to whom or which the composition is being administered.

Antiviral Compositions for Animals

[0171] The invention relates to antiviral compositions for administration to humans and animals to prevent and to treat and reduce infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Without limiting the scope of the disclosure, the composition is effective for use in, for example, livestock animals, zoo animals, and wild animals. For example, the antiviral compositions are useful for preventing and treating and reducing infections caused by avian influenza viruses, commonly referred to as bird flu.

[0172] These antiviral embodiments of the composition include effective amounts of the following: vitamin C; a source of zinc; Echinacea purpura extract; sage (Salvia officinalis) extract; fulvic acid, humic acid, or a combination of both; pomegranate extract; Uncaria tomentosa extract; and Radix bupleuri extract. Echinacea purpura extract, Salvia officinalis extract, fulvic acid, humic acid, pomegranate extract, Uncaria tomentosa extract, and Radix bupleuri extract possess antiviral properties while vitamin C and the source of zinc are included for their immune system boosting properties. In some embodiments, the antiviral composition includes at least one additional vitamin selected from among: vitamin A, vitamin E, or one or more B vitamins (e.g., B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and/or B12).

[0173] In exemplary embodiments of the antiviral composition, the source of zinc is zinc pyrithione, but in other embodiments, the source of zinc can be elemental zinc, zinc methionine, zinc pyrithione, zinc citrate, zinc gluconate, zinc picolinate, zinc sulfate, zinc acetate, zinc orotate, or a combination of two or more of the foregoing.

[0174] Some embodiments of the composition can also include alpha-lipoic acid, taurine, or both.

[0175] Embodiments of the composition that are not intended for administration to cattle or other bovines may further include Black Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) extract, American Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) extract, or a combination of both. These extracts possess antiviral properties.

[0176] In embodiments of the composition that are intended to prevent and to treat and reduce both infections as well as tissue inflammation caused by viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens in humans and animals, the composition can also include one or more anti-inflammatory phytochemicals selected from among: Boswellia serrata extract or another source of 3-acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA); Pinus maritima bark extract; Commiphora myrrha extract; curcumin extract or another source of piperine; green tea extract; resveratrol; or a combination of two or more of the foregoing.

[0177] The composition is incorporated in or formed as a tablet, a powder, a pill, a capsule, a nasal spray, an inhalable form, a suspension, a topically applied form, or a liquid for administration to a human or other animal via oral, parenteral, inhalation, topical application, or other administration routes.

[0178] Methods are also described herein for preventing and for treating and reducing infections caused by bacteria and viruses in humans and animals. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes the step of preparing a composition that includes effective amounts of the following: vitamin C; a source of zinc; Echinacea purpura extract; sage (Salvia officinalis) extract; fulvic acid, humic acid, or a combination of both; pomegranate extract; Uncaria tomentosa extract; and Radix bupleuri extract. In some embodiments in which the method also prevents and treats and reduces infections and tissue inflammation caused by bacteria and viruses in humans and animals, the composition used in the method also includes at least one anti-inflammatory constituent as described elsewhere herein.

[0179] In a next step, the composition is provided in a tablet, a powder, a pill, a capsule, a nasal spray, an inhalable form, a suspension, a topically applied form, or a liquid form to be administered to a human or other animal via oral, parenteral, inhalation, topical application, or other administration routes. In a next step, the method includes the step of administering the composition to the human or other animal periodically. The frequency of administration varies depending on a number of factors including, for example, type of animal, weight of animal, form of administration (from the examples identified at the beginning of this paragraph), type or cause of infection, and whether the composition is being administered for prevention of infection or for treatment and reduction of infection. For example, the composition may be administered twice daily, daily, every other day, or less or more frequently than the foregoing.

[0180] In some embodiments, the compositions used in this method further include at least one additional vitamin selected from among: vitamin A, vitamin E, or one or more B vitamins.

[0181] In some embodiments of the method in which the prevention or treatment and reduction of inflammation are desired, the compositions used in this method also include one or more anti-inflammatory phytochemicals. The one or more anti-inflammatory phytochemicals is selected from among: Boswellia serrata extract or another source of 3-acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA); Pinus maritima bark extract; Commiphora myrrha extract; curcumin extract or another source of piperine; green tea extract; resveratrol; or a combination of two or more of the foregoing.

[0182] In some embodiments, the compositions used in this method further include alpha-lipoic acid, taurine, or both.

[0183] In some embodiments, the source of zinc included in the compositions used in the method is or includes: elemental zinc; zinc methionine; zinc pyrithione; zinc citrate; zinc gluconate; zinc picolinate; zinc sulfate; zinc acetate; zinc orotate; or a combination of two or more of the foregoing.

[0184] In some embodiments of the method, except for those used with cattle, the compositions used in this method further include Black Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) extract, American Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) extract, or a combination of both. Compositions and methods of the invention used with cattle should not include Sambucus nigra extract or Sambucus canadensis extract.

[0185] Examples of formulas of exemplary embodiments of the antiviral composition are set forth below.

Example 3

[0186] In an exemplary embodiment of a composition for preventing and for treating and reducing infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens in humans and animals, the composition contains: [0187] (a) vitamin C [0188] (b) a source of zinc [0189] (c) Echinacea purpura extract [0190] (d) sage (Salvia officinalis) extract [0191] (e) fulvic acid, humic acid, or a combination of both [0192] (f) pomegranate extract [0193] (g) Uncaria tomentosa extract [0194] (h) Radix bupleuri extract

Example 4

[0195] In another exemplary embodiment of a composition for preventing and for treating and reducing infections and tissue inflammation caused by bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens in humans and animals, the composition contains: [0196] (a) vitamin C [0197] (b) a source of zinc [0198] (c) Echinacea purpura extract [0199] (d) sage (Salvia officinalis) extract [0200] (e) fulvic acid, humic acid, or a combination of both [0201] (f) pomegranate extract [0202] (g) Uncaria tomentosa extract [0203] (h) Radix bupleuri extract [0204] (i) at least one anti-inflammatory constituent

[0205] In exemplary embodiments of a composition for preventing and for treating and reducing infections and tissue inflammation caused by bacteria, viruses (such as avian influenza and other influenza viruses), and other pathogens in humans and animals, the composition contains at least in the following ingredients in about the following amounts in each dose: [0206] (a) about 0.11875 mg to about 47.5 mg of Echinacea purpura extract per pound of body weight of the subject human or animal [0207] (b) about 0.25 mg to about 15.6 mg of sage (Salvia officinalis) extract per pound of body weight of the subject human or animal [0208] (c) about 0.039 mg to about 100 mg of pomegranate extract per pound of body weight of the subject human or animal [0209] (d) about 0.07825 mg to about 31.3 mg of cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) extract per pound of body weight of the subject human or animal [0210] (e) about 0.13125 mg to about 52.5 mg of elderberry extract (i.e., Black Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) extract, American Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) extract, or a combination of both) per pound of body weight of the subject human or animal

[0211] In exemplary embodiments of methods for preventing and for treating and reducing infections and tissue inflammation caused by bacteria, viruses (such as avian influenza and other influenza viruses), and other pathogens in humans and animals, the composition is administered to a human or animal in three doses daily. In other embodiments, the composition may be administered daily in a single dose, two doses, four doses, or more doses, or rather than daily, every day, biweekly, every two days, every two weeks, or at some other interval.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

[0212] It is to be understood that while the invention has been described in conjunction with the detailed description thereof, the foregoing description is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Other embodiments, aspects, advantages, and modifications are within the scope of the following claims.